What makes a great CCA?
Great people? Great teachers? Great activities? Or the combination of all three and more?
It always made me wonder, why do Odacians always look forward to ODAC more than almost anything else in school? And this occurs to not only one, but every batch! Some may not say it out openly, but they DO look forward to it.
There must be a reason why the superseniors [alumni] still come back, even just to say hi. Every investiture, we'll see many superseniors turn up, even when the teachers have changed. Neither do many know any of the superjuniors. They still come back, because they still identify with ODAC.
I am sure that the teachers have a big part to play here. Back in secondary school, my CCA had indifferent teachers, which obviously leads to indifferent students, and the downward spiral continues. It was the same in some parts of my army life. Same thing - indifferent people 'up there' led to a sickening chain effect. All very unpleasant.
I have to commend the ODAC teachers for being as dedicated as they are. Mr Lim KW took charge of my batch. He was tough, yet balanced in his approach. No, he didn't really like me =) I guess the most important thing about him was: he had authority. So many people were scared of him, especially those CCA presidents who liked to break the rules. You know, like tucking out their shirts. They FEARED Mr Lim. hahah. But Mr Lim had a soft spot for Odacians. Not that we could flout rules - we knew better. Mr Lim would always have a good joke with us. But we knew when he meant business.
Mr Jae Chia was a funny teacher too. Now, why are ODAC teachers all jokers?! He shared in our conversations, laughed with us; he was really close to us. We thought of him more of a student than a teacher.
Now we have Mr Andrew Chin. Looks like he hasn't lost the child in him =D More soft-spoken compared to the Mr Lim I was used to, but no doubt just as effective.
As it often turns out, Odacians are a great bunch of people to be around. Always with a knack for excitement or just messing around, there's never a dull moment.
I'd read in a magazine some time ago, that happy people weren't those who had the simplest of tasks, but those who participated in moderately challenging activities together. Now that's ODAC.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Rocks!
As part of my EART1105 Dynamic Planet unit, I headed out to Watermans Beach to look at rocks. Had to fight off that itch to climb them. Hah.
We looked at the stratigraphy and composition of the rocks, in order to identify previous sea levels during the Holocene. By studying the grain sizes at various strata, and the embedded fossils eg.brachiopods, we could figure out the previous intertidal range. Also, inferences were made regarding the groundwater flows and aeration of the rocks, sandstone in particular.
Sun, sea, and the wind. All made for a great day out.
We looked at the stratigraphy and composition of the rocks, in order to identify previous sea levels during the Holocene. By studying the grain sizes at various strata, and the embedded fossils eg.brachiopods, we could figure out the previous intertidal range. Also, inferences were made regarding the groundwater flows and aeration of the rocks, sandstone in particular.
Sun, sea, and the wind. All made for a great day out.
Hernia
I could never have guessed. A hernia. Throughout NS, I've seen people getting downgraded for illnesses like this, but to have it happen to me?
Bulge in the groin. Something I hoped would go away by itself. It didn't, so off to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital I went. Thank goodness for insurance, otherwise I'd be in deep waters.
Before surgery, I had the 'luck' to be examined by medical students. I was the dummy for their mini lecture, right there in my ward. Kinda reminded me of the time when Jing Xin, Yee Han, and I went to work as 'casualty models' in TTSH. Having fun and getting paid for it! But here I was, getting prodded in my groin region. I'd never felt so, um, liberated.
I went under general anaesthesia. Knocked out in 2 minutes. The post-surgery nausea was horrid. No weights, no sports, no nothing for the coming weeks.
Darn.
Bulge in the groin. Something I hoped would go away by itself. It didn't, so off to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital I went. Thank goodness for insurance, otherwise I'd be in deep waters.
Before surgery, I had the 'luck' to be examined by medical students. I was the dummy for their mini lecture, right there in my ward. Kinda reminded me of the time when Jing Xin, Yee Han, and I went to work as 'casualty models' in TTSH. Having fun and getting paid for it! But here I was, getting prodded in my groin region. I'd never felt so, um, liberated.
I went under general anaesthesia. Knocked out in 2 minutes. The post-surgery nausea was horrid. No weights, no sports, no nothing for the coming weeks.
Darn.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Sunlight. Its can be very bright, glaring even, especially on cloudless days. Practically half the population is wearing sunglasses on sunny days!
Cars are inexpensive. A second-hand car can cost just as much as a high-end bicycle.
ABC girls. Australian-born Chinese girls. Eyeliner and mascara. Accent. That's how you tell =D
Most houses do not have all-round fences or a gate. You see the lawn and driveway when you arrive.
Food is relatively expensive. A plate of chicken rice/ horfun/ any food court food costs between AU$6 to $10. In fact, fast food is cheaper on average. Servings are large, though.
Crumpler. How come I only see Asians wearing Crumpler bags when it's an Aussie brand?!
Cars are inexpensive. A second-hand car can cost just as much as a high-end bicycle.
ABC girls. Australian-born Chinese girls. Eyeliner and mascara. Accent. That's how you tell =D
Most houses do not have all-round fences or a gate. You see the lawn and driveway when you arrive.
Food is relatively expensive. A plate of chicken rice/ horfun/ any food court food costs between AU$6 to $10. In fact, fast food is cheaper on average. Servings are large, though.
Crumpler. How come I only see Asians wearing Crumpler bags when it's an Aussie brand?!
Thursday, March 8, 2007
A different place
Homesick
That feeling of homesickness. Can't be ignored. A new environment, new people. University is a very independent place. Friends don't necessarily take the same units, or have the same timetable. It's a great feeling of freedom, but takes getting used to.
'Home'
I now live with other students in a house owned by a Australian-Singaporean couple. There is a small swimming pool which I can use, and there are like hundreds of TV channels! There's a Malaysian doing BSc in Biomedical Sciences. A German doing his Masters in some Engineering. And a Spaniard doing his Doctorate in Forestry. And there is a big Border Collie, which I take for walks. And a really docile cat that spends its day licking itself clean.
University Library
The Reid Library is where I spend most of my time between classes. Lately, I've been talking to Dr. Vivian Forbes in the Geology-Maps section. He's written several books on maritime political issues, and is extremely knowledgeable on such geopolitical issues. He has a great sense of humour too. Now, he is working on the sea boundary dispute between Australia and Timor Leste, where oil wells are at stake.
I found maps of interest to me - old topographical maps of Singapore! I have the 1:50k topographical map of Singapore 2001 edition, but left it back there. Too bad, will have to get it when I return. Here in the Reid Library, I found lots of older editions, which I had a hard time getting to in the National Archives of Singapore. The landscape of post-war Singapore was, of course, very much different. All reclaimed parts - like East Coast Park, Tuas, Changi Airport - did not exist. And Ang Mo Kio, where I live, consists of brush, trails, hills, and a handful of buildings! The wartime significance of these maps cannot be understated - the grid systems, datums, projections.
Sailing
My hosts invited my housemates and I to go for a sailing trip at Fremantle on 7Mar. A wonderful experience it was. The yacht had sails that were adjusted depending on the wind. The sunset on the horizon was immensely beautiful.
Interesting thing was, it being a weekday, there were many yachts out in the sea. Australians sure know how to relax!
That feeling of homesickness. Can't be ignored. A new environment, new people. University is a very independent place. Friends don't necessarily take the same units, or have the same timetable. It's a great feeling of freedom, but takes getting used to.
'Home'
I now live with other students in a house owned by a Australian-Singaporean couple. There is a small swimming pool which I can use, and there are like hundreds of TV channels! There's a Malaysian doing BSc in Biomedical Sciences. A German doing his Masters in some Engineering. And a Spaniard doing his Doctorate in Forestry. And there is a big Border Collie, which I take for walks. And a really docile cat that spends its day licking itself clean.
University Library
The Reid Library is where I spend most of my time between classes. Lately, I've been talking to Dr. Vivian Forbes in the Geology-Maps section. He's written several books on maritime political issues, and is extremely knowledgeable on such geopolitical issues. He has a great sense of humour too. Now, he is working on the sea boundary dispute between Australia and Timor Leste, where oil wells are at stake.
I found maps of interest to me - old topographical maps of Singapore! I have the 1:50k topographical map of Singapore 2001 edition, but left it back there. Too bad, will have to get it when I return. Here in the Reid Library, I found lots of older editions, which I had a hard time getting to in the National Archives of Singapore. The landscape of post-war Singapore was, of course, very much different. All reclaimed parts - like East Coast Park, Tuas, Changi Airport - did not exist. And Ang Mo Kio, where I live, consists of brush, trails, hills, and a handful of buildings! The wartime significance of these maps cannot be understated - the grid systems, datums, projections.
Sailing
My hosts invited my housemates and I to go for a sailing trip at Fremantle on 7Mar. A wonderful experience it was. The yacht had sails that were adjusted depending on the wind. The sunset on the horizon was immensely beautiful.
Interesting thing was, it being a weekday, there were many yachts out in the sea. Australians sure know how to relax!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Syonan Jinja Revisited
A recap of some events over the past weeks.
31Jan. Trek to Syonan Jinja with Zhiheng,CH and KY.
Zhiheng's an old friend. He's crazy about army. Along with CH and KY, his Armour friends, we ventured to explore the ruins of Syonan Jinja - a Shinto shrine built by the Japanese during WWII.
The trip brought along a sense of deja vu. This was the 2nd time I am undertaking this trip - the previous, with Odac 20th com, 4years ago. An immensely enjoyable trip it was, as anything with Odac! Those were the days.
Canopy
ZH parked at the Macritchie Reservoir Carpark. And we proceeded. 1st stop: the HSBC Treetop Walk. Nothing great, really. Maybe unless you have a very keen pair of eyes. What amused me was CH and KY's fear of heights. These guys operate huge macho tanks in the army!
We hit upon something called the "Engine House" along Terentang trail, some odd-looking structures of brick and concrete. Across, we began on the shrine trail past two boulders. Soon, we were impeded by fallen trees - lots of fallen trees. Taking detour after detour, we were well off the main trail (if it still exists) and bashing thru wave after wave of shrubbery.
My GPS was barely useful - if only to boost our morale with "distance to destination"! We had our directional pointer, but no clear trail.
Some 2hours into the trail, we reached the Guardhouse. Built of concrete, it had a somewhat eerie feel to it. There were creepers and moss all over. A deep pool of water had welled inside. A few photos and we were off.
Ruins
Using the reservoir as a "handrail", we found the numerous steps that led to the main shrine area. We reached the ceremonial fountain, said to be used by the worshippers to wash up before proceeding.
ZH had even brought his videocam along, and we shot a short 'documentary' at the ruins!
To get back to the carpark, we had to cross a small floodgate adjacent to the SICC golfcourse and walk 4km, partly along the oft-used cross-country trail. Crossing the floodgate was a relatively simple affair. Joggers passing by gave us weird looks, like what were these guys up to?!
A really fulfilling day, with plenty of cuts and abrasions on our legs to remind us of our little adventure in the coming days.
More at
20th Com http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/91684780ypvgAt
SPI http://www.spi.com.sg/spi_files/shinto_shrine/Syonan_Jinja.htm
31Jan. Trek to Syonan Jinja with Zhiheng,CH and KY.
Zhiheng's an old friend. He's crazy about army. Along with CH and KY, his Armour friends, we ventured to explore the ruins of Syonan Jinja - a Shinto shrine built by the Japanese during WWII.
The trip brought along a sense of deja vu. This was the 2nd time I am undertaking this trip - the previous, with Odac 20th com, 4years ago. An immensely enjoyable trip it was, as anything with Odac! Those were the days.
Canopy
ZH parked at the Macritchie Reservoir Carpark. And we proceeded. 1st stop: the HSBC Treetop Walk. Nothing great, really. Maybe unless you have a very keen pair of eyes. What amused me was CH and KY's fear of heights. These guys operate huge macho tanks in the army!
We hit upon something called the "Engine House" along Terentang trail, some odd-looking structures of brick and concrete. Across, we began on the shrine trail past two boulders. Soon, we were impeded by fallen trees - lots of fallen trees. Taking detour after detour, we were well off the main trail (if it still exists) and bashing thru wave after wave of shrubbery.
My GPS was barely useful - if only to boost our morale with "distance to destination"! We had our directional pointer, but no clear trail.
Some 2hours into the trail, we reached the Guardhouse. Built of concrete, it had a somewhat eerie feel to it. There were creepers and moss all over. A deep pool of water had welled inside. A few photos and we were off.
Ruins
Using the reservoir as a "handrail", we found the numerous steps that led to the main shrine area. We reached the ceremonial fountain, said to be used by the worshippers to wash up before proceeding.
ZH had even brought his videocam along, and we shot a short 'documentary' at the ruins!
To get back to the carpark, we had to cross a small floodgate adjacent to the SICC golfcourse and walk 4km, partly along the oft-used cross-country trail. Crossing the floodgate was a relatively simple affair. Joggers passing by gave us weird looks, like what were these guys up to?!
A really fulfilling day, with plenty of cuts and abrasions on our legs to remind us of our little adventure in the coming days.
More at
20th Com http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/91684780ypvgAt
SPI http://www.spi.com.sg/spi_files/shinto_shrine/Syonan_Jinja.htm
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Off to Perth!
A New Beginning
12Feb, and I am off to Perth! It was hard bidding farewell to friends. It wasn't easy leaving my room, my all-too-familiar Ang Mo Kio neighbourhood. It would be nice to be back come late November.
Flight
As I boarded my plane, an Airbus A330, I noticed an equal number of caucasian and asian faces. A phrase previously mentioned by a friend came to mind. "Singaperth", he said. hmm. I've appreciated airline food all along, but not this time. The fusilli wasn't particularly appetising. Ditto the pickled cucumbers.
I noticed an interesting contrast in the beverage preferences. The asians were having fruit juices or soft drinks while the caucasians were having beer, wine or tonic water. So I thought, why like that one? And I ordered a Chardonnay. At least, it warmed me. And put me to a light sleep.
Quarantine was a bit of a hassle. We had these police dogs, on leashes, sniffing all luggage. My bag got picked out after an x-ray. Had I forgotten to declare something?! That could mean a hefty fine. The customs lady exposed my balls. My juggling balls, that is. Not that I could juggle well. Yet. She said "seeds". They were afraid the seeds within the balls were of plant origin. Thankfully, the seeds were plastic. Relief.
One piece of my luggage was taken by mistake. No thanks to the ubiquitous army duffel bag. An identical bag was lying right with me. This young punk had taken my bag accidentally, but returned it promptly to the baggage dept when I had an announcement made. Ok, he's no punk - just another student who had completed National Service recently too.
Weather
Just as I'd come to expect, the humidity was terrifically low. The sun, however, was just as hot as back in Singapore during this summer period. There was no sweat on the skin even after walking under the hot sun. Neither was there any sticky sweat residue on the skin at the end of the day. Nice.
12Feb, and I am off to Perth! It was hard bidding farewell to friends. It wasn't easy leaving my room, my all-too-familiar Ang Mo Kio neighbourhood. It would be nice to be back come late November.
Flight
As I boarded my plane, an Airbus A330, I noticed an equal number of caucasian and asian faces. A phrase previously mentioned by a friend came to mind. "Singaperth", he said. hmm. I've appreciated airline food all along, but not this time. The fusilli wasn't particularly appetising. Ditto the pickled cucumbers.
I noticed an interesting contrast in the beverage preferences. The asians were having fruit juices or soft drinks while the caucasians were having beer, wine or tonic water. So I thought, why like that one? And I ordered a Chardonnay. At least, it warmed me. And put me to a light sleep.
Quarantine was a bit of a hassle. We had these police dogs, on leashes, sniffing all luggage. My bag got picked out after an x-ray. Had I forgotten to declare something?! That could mean a hefty fine. The customs lady exposed my balls. My juggling balls, that is. Not that I could juggle well. Yet. She said "seeds". They were afraid the seeds within the balls were of plant origin. Thankfully, the seeds were plastic. Relief.
One piece of my luggage was taken by mistake. No thanks to the ubiquitous army duffel bag. An identical bag was lying right with me. This young punk had taken my bag accidentally, but returned it promptly to the baggage dept when I had an announcement made. Ok, he's no punk - just another student who had completed National Service recently too.
Weather
Just as I'd come to expect, the humidity was terrifically low. The sun, however, was just as hot as back in Singapore during this summer period. There was no sweat on the skin even after walking under the hot sun. Neither was there any sticky sweat residue on the skin at the end of the day. Nice.
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